Key Human System Integration Plan Elements for Command and Control Acquisition

Abstract : As the Navy transitions to the guiding principles of Net-Centric Warfare, it is imperative to recognize the importance to access vital, secure and timely tactical information in any given battlespace. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command is the acquisition lead for several systems that will create a highly adaptive, networked and distributed defense force with the increased speed, agility and security required to support constantly evolving mission needs. The systems will provide the commander the ability to make more timely and informed decisions based upon the best information and practices. Human System Integration (HSI) is a system engineering process designed to ensure that human performance related issues are identified early in the acquisition process and mitigated during system development and testing using appropriate performance metrics and data collection methods. HSI activities are guided by an acquisition Human System Integration Plan (HSIP) that identifies and integrates design requirements for (a) Human Factors Engineering, (b) Personnel, (c) Habitability, (d) Manpower, (e) Training, (f) Safety and Occupational Health, and (g) Survivability. Key elements of HSI for Command and Control acquisition include: (1) top-down functional analysis/allocation, (2) task-centered design, (3) cognitive engineering, and (4) knowledge mapping.